Cumberland

First Call for Independence

Cumberland County was established in 1749 from Goochland County. The county is named for William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, second son of King George, II of Great Britain. From 1749 until the eastern portion was detached from Powhatan County in 1777, Mosby Tavern served as the county courthouse. The tavern subsequently became known as "Old Cumberland Courthouse." In 1778, the narrow triangular area bordering the southern bank of the James River was annexed from Buckingham County. Bear Creek Lake State Park is located 4.5 miles from the town of Cumberland, as well as Cumberland State Forest.